siisa: start babbling incoherently

zeph: wonder what siisa is doing, is she trying to use magic?

>>253464
@Siisa: Breathe, girl!

@Zeph: Well, you have no idea what's going on and Siisa can't explain anything to you, so look as bored as you can and see if there's anything more interesting in your field of vision. Is Uluaris around?

Anemoi Rizeska 2010/11/07(Sun)07:14 No. 253656 ID: be29bc
File 128914285213.png - (277.70KB , 500x500 , 167.png )

Siisa continues to babble at the strange person. I wonder if she is trying to cast a spell? ... It doesn't seem to be working.

I see two figures approaching in the distance.

[Siisa vision

Fvencha Di Vindal sees two figures approaching, turns to me, and says, "Well, it was very nice to meet you young lady, but I must be off! Farewell!"]

The person runs off, followed by another strange person holding papers and a second following behind

I guess there's nothing to do now but wait for Uluaris to finish.

(Continued)

Anemoi Rizeska 2010/11/07(Sun)12:40 No. 253727 ID: be29bc
File 128916244544.png - (146.18KB , 500x500 , 168.png )

[Siisa vision

We have to wait a long time by the Goddess' fountain before Uluaris shows up, pulling Thief by the arm and looking exhausted. He looks over the items I bought, and says simply, "Interesting choices. Let's go."

"'Kay!"

We load up the cart and head out of Vindal.]

I notice that there are a lot of square, metal objects under my seat on the way back, but I don't have to share the seat with the copy so I just push them out of the way.

As we pass the small building outside of the town's walls, Uluaris and the man exchange some words before we continue on our way.

I guess I can speak now, the question is, what should we talk about?

>>253727
@Siisa: Ask Uluaris how it went, and why he looks so very tired.
Then ask Zeph if she can teach you how to get the elementals to do things like she can.

@Zeph: Ask Uluaris if this disguise is supposed to make it difficult for you to regain magic. Also, what you're supposed to pretend to be once you get back.
Also, what it was you ate when you first met.

Oh, and you should keep that attractor going. Hopefully you'll draw in another elemental or two.

siisa: talk his ears off about how you ran into Fvencha.
zeph, complain that this disguise is making you unable to do anything.

Anemoi Rizeska 2010/11/07(Sun)14:25 No. 253756 ID: be29bc
File 128916871552.png - (264.05KB , 500x500 , 169.png )

Now that it's within reach, the elementals are practically slobbering all over my hand. How annoying!

"Uluaris, is this disguise supposed to make it difficult to regain energy? 'Cause I can't seem to get any."

"great." he mutters. "its not supposed to but if it is, i guess youll have to get used to eating."

The Soul Thief pipes up "I want to eat too~"

"starve, you stupid thing."

"Okay then... What am I supposed to pretend to be when we get back?"

"pretend whatever you want, what do i care."

[Siisa vision

"Hey Uluaris, what's wrong?"

"...Just a long day. How was yours, Siisa?"

I start telling him a~ll about how I ACTUALLY MET LORD DI VINDAL! :D

He's pretty quiet, so I keep talking!

"...That's very...nice...Siisa...You can stop talking now."]

>>253756
@Siisa: "You don't like him? Why not? D:"

@Zeph: "Is there any chance of getting a roof-window so I can bask in Sol's rays without being seen? Or will removing the disguise break it?"
Then turn to Siisa "Oh, Siisa, how about we tell people I'm your language tutor? And would you like to learn more about elementals on our way back?"

zeph, ask about getting a sunroof.
siisa: mope a little.

Anemoi Rizeska 2010/11/07(Sun)15:02 No. 253772 ID: be29bc
File 128917095691.png - (258.71KB , 500x500 , 170.png )

[Siisa vision

Awww... I wanted to talk more about him, too. *pouts*]

"Would it be possible to get a "sun-roof" or the equivalent installed so I can absorb Sol's rays without being seen?"

"you dont even comprehend the amount of work you're asking. The short answer is 'no', the long answer is 'that would take months, so NO'. anyway, it would be a strange thing for me to be seen doing. i dont think you thought about this very much."

Curses...

"Oh, Siisa, how about we tell people I'm your language tutor? And would you like to learn more about elementals on our way back?"

"Elephant? What?"

>>253772
@Zeph: "I figured you wouldn't want to have to do it. I'll find a way to get it done on my own, so don't worry too much."
Turn to Siisa and say "Elementals." then hold up the hand that is now covered in elementals "These kinds of spirits. Lets move to the back of the wagon so we won't bother Uluaris."

>>253779
We may wish to ask the elementals to show themselves to her if she can't see them already. They've proven rather adept at concealing themselves otherwise.

As for the disguise inhibiting our gathering of energy, that's not good at all! We'll need to take it off regularly and bask in the sun, or somehow get it modified. Or learn how it works and modify it ourselves.

Also: We should figure out how to cut loose from our body and wander around in pure spirit form. Last time we did that was really trippy, but doing so in a controlled fashion could be very useful.

Yeah what are the 'love fruits' that you ate?

Anemoi Rizeska 2010/11/07(Sun)16:58 No. 253798 ID: be29bc
File 12891779017.png - (168.73KB , 500x500 , 171.png )

"I figured you wouldn't want to have to do it. I'll find a way to get it done on my own, so don't worry too much."

I think he thinks I'm crazy now, but he's not saying anything to stop me!

[Siisa vision

Zeph is saying something else about 'elephants' and she's holding out her hand but nothing's there?]

Oh, right. I need to tell them to make themselves visible. "OI. Show yourself to the earth-crawler child."

"can we keep touching the hand?"

"...Sure."

"yay!"

[Siisa vision

OMIGODDESS WHAT ARE THOSE THINGS]

Yeah, she looks pretty surprised.

[Siisa vision

"Now, Siisa, what did I tell you about dealing with spirits?"

"...Always expect the unexpected?"

"Very good. But I wish you would use my advice instead of just memorizing it."]

Some time later...

"Hey, Uluaris... What exactly was that love fruit earlier?"

"I find it really weird that you call it that. It's spirit bait. You put it in a spirt trap and it knocks the magic right out of 'em. Very handy."

Zeph: oh, guess i have enough that i can stay awake even as pure magic.

siisa: have been pondering about those elementals this whole time

>>253798
Zeph: Well it is meant to be appealing, and looks like little hearts, and my head was being messed with anyway so love fruit makes sense.

>>253798
@Zeph: To Uluaris: "Ah, I see. Well, eating it knocked me out of my body. Was the blood vomit a side effect, or was that just my older wounds catching up to me?"
To Siisa: "These are elementals. They are the beings that maintain the world. You know that circle I broke? Did you notice know how the grass and trees around there were dead, and they had to put it far away from the well? That's because all the elementals that went there to fix things got caught in the trap before they could get anything done.
Part of my job is to keep these cute little guys safe.
How about you introduce yourself to them?"

@Siisa: SO CUTE! Can you pet them? Is that alright? How long have they been there? What do they do? Do they have names? How were they so invisible?

Anemoi Rizeska 2010/11/07(Sun)18:12 No. 253832 ID: be29bc
File 128918234595.png - (98.10KB , 500x500 , 172.png )

"Oh. I guess I have enough magic to be aware while under the influence of love-fruit? (I still like the way that sounds. 'Spirit bait'? bleh)"

"actually that happens with all spirits but normally without an anchor the magic dissipates quickly. i think that you had enough magical 'mass' to hold together for a while."

"So was the bloody vomit--"

"It's not a side effect, if that's what you're asking."

I quickly (AND USING SIMPLE WORDS) explain elementals as best I can to Siisa. I think she gets it.

[Siisa vision

I don't get it. I thought 'physics' held the world together? I'm so confused~

But they are very cute. :D

I try poking the little one with the 'hat'. It's a really weird feeling, like if you grabbed on to something that wasn't there. Y'know what I mean?]

>>253832
@Zeph: "Elementals can do lots of useful things. If they like you then they'll help you if you ask, but you need to give them the energy to do it and they're easily confused so keep things simple. Normally I'd show you, but I'm low on energy."
Hand Siisa some scrap copper.
"Here, how about you try asking the Gnome if he could make that into a shiny ball for you?"

@Siisa: These things are sooo cooool. I've never held spirits this cute AND friendly. They don't even have any magic keeping them nice like the soul thief, they're just like this on their own!
So these little guys have been getting trapped with all the bad spirits? Uluaris can fix that! I know he can! He's super-smart and knows so much!
Wait, they can do things too? OhmygodItotallywanttotrythis.

zeph: talk more about them

siisa: listen intently.

>>253832
Siisa: Elements are one things and physics are another. Don't worry to much about which is the why or the how, they are both there no matter what you think of them.

Zeph: Explain more about how elements work, but don't overload her with too much information, or knowledge that might lead her to get in trouble if she tries to use it.

>>253835
Belay that!
We need to keep some secrets in reserve.

Zeph: Turn to Uluaris "'That is not dead which can eternal lie, and with strange aeons even death may die.' Nothing lasts forever, not even spirits. I'm too familiar with loss to delude myself into thinking I'll live forever; I've watched all my brothers and sisters die horribly, and had my family and rank ripped away from me.
I better understand, I think, the value of life more than most of the group you call 'people'.
So, tell me, how does not knowing when I'll die make me less of a person than anybody else?"

Anemoi Rizeska 2010/11/08(Mon)11:53 No. 254051 ID: 7c97d9
File 128924603018.png - (339.81KB , 500x500 , 173.png )

I decide to teach Siisa a little bit about elementals, but not too much. If they know enough about spirits to know that they shouldn't be trapping elementals, that's good; but from what I've seen, if a [wizard] learns about how to command elementals, the Captains and Commanders will have a much harder time keeping the world in order... I've gotta be careful with this information!

How much is safe to tell?

"Elementals are one part of the [natural] world, but not the only part." I'm assuming that the earth crawlers came up with their own theories about how things work, if they don't even know what Elementals are... This should be a neutral enough comment, I think.

This one is Gnome; it is in charge of soil and the things that spring from it.

This one is Undine; it is in charge of the water and the things that come of it.

There is an Elemental called Salamander; it is in charge of flames and the changes that come from it.

There is an Elemental called Sylph; it is in charge of the air and the things that depend on it.

Well, it's not the whole story, but it's true enough that it's not exactly a lie; it's not like they have souls,complex personalities, and the higher reasoning ability needed to actually tell what needs to be done; that's what Captains and Commanders are for.

Even if I was positive that I wanted to, I'm in no condition to teach her Natural Magic right now. Humans seem to use their energy in a completely different way from me...

[Siisa vision

Uluaris looks interested in Zeph's speech, but he keeps his eyes peeled to the road, and one hand on his staff at all times.

I think I understand, but I'll have to have Uluaris clarify it for me later.]

We pass the time in silence; I'm frustrated because Uluaris tells me not to take the necklace off, in case we pass people he knows (But we've only seen like three other carts today >:[ )

Something else is bugging me. Why doesn't he think I'm a person? Just because I won't die like a mortal? I can still be killed! It's not fair.

"Nothing lasts forever, not even spirits. I'm too familiar with loss to delude myself into thinking I'll live forever; I've watched all my brothers and sisters die horribly, and had my family and my rank ripped away from me.

I better understand, I think, the value of life more than most of the group you call 'people'.

So, tell me, how does not knowing when I'll die make me less of a person than anybody else?"

Uluaris is silent for a minute.

Then: "have you ever done something you knew was wrong"

"No, of course not."

"Quick, what is Siisa's mood right now?"

"I...don't know?"

"have you ever strayed from your duty?"

"No."

"have you ever questioned your existence?"

"...Once..."

"if you were given the chance to save a complete stranger by taking damage upon yourself, would you?"

"Of course not! I have a duty...had a duty..."

"have you ever fallen in love?"

"I love Sol!"

He keeps giving me a steady gaze.

"No, you don't. You are dependent upon Sol. She gives you her energy, doesn't she? You're a parasite who claims to love the host."

>>254051
@Zeph: Slap him; Your eyes should be tearing up a bit.
"I have walked by Sol's side since ages before your species existed. I have again and again watched my brothers and sisters die protecting her, and we have mourned their loss together. She isn't some abstract concept to me like she is to you; she's a person, she is family. Duty be damned, I've protected her with my life because I love her, and I will not let you insult that!"

@Siisa: Whoa, Zeph looks upset. Is she yelling at Uluaris? Did she just slap him? What happened?

get all indignant that he would accuse you of that.

Slap him and start to cry and say " I have been around before you and I have seen my family die and we always mourn.... tell me if being a parasite doesn't feel or love. I am not some abstarct you can chuck away. We love Sol because of what she does and not because of what we need. Therefore we are not a parasite. Be careful what you say."

Then he will probably apologise and back off, if not then push him away and ignoree him until he comforts you :P

Anemoi Rizzie 2010/11/08(Mon)14:13 No. 254101 ID: 79c5ec
File 128925440252.png - (319.19KB , 500x500 , 97vWv.png )

I can’t hold it in. I slap Uluaris. On the back of the head, as hard as I can. I can feel my eyes leaking. That accusation hurt me more than my brush with death.

“I. Have walked the Skyways since the time before your remotest anscestor gained a soul.
I. Have had to watch my siblings die in defense of the one we love.
We did not mourn them, we celebrated them, for they died protecting their loved one, AND SHE IS STILL SAFE BECAUSE OF THEM.

It’s my duty to defend her, but I don’t defend her because it’s my duty, I do it because I love her! She is more of a person than you; She is FAMILY; She is the most wonderful creature in all of existence and you will NOT let you imply that my feelings for her are based on... on energy sources!"

Anemoi Rizeska 2010/11/08(Mon)15:10 No. 254113 ID: 701a19
File 128925781139.png - (393.18KB , 500x500 , 175.png )

Uluaris is silent, I can't tell what he's thinking. Siisa doesn't know what to say.
The air feels tense, I hear a snapping sound, and then there's a feeling of [rightness].
Uluaris mutters something under his breath, and then says something to Siisa, and then to me: "Well, I guess we have to find a place to camp for now."

stare at him a little, then say "fine".

>>254113
@Zeph: Ah, hold up your arm so you can look at it. The disguise broke.
"Fine. Wonderful. Maybe when you fix this I'll be able to feel Sol's presence again."
Growl in frustration and smack your fist into the cart.
"You talk about risking yourselves to save others, yet slaver scum can buy and sell people openly. No, more damning than those who you call 'people' being apathetic about it is that you call the slavers 'people' as well.
Then you tell me I'm somehow less deserving of respect than those monsters?
Now, if you're done insulting me, sir, then I'm going to go vent my frustration constructively."
The "sir" should be as sarcastic as possible.
Get off the cart, walk far enough off the road so that you can't be seen if you sit down, and get to work on that hat for Siisa.

@Siisa: What just happened? The words didn't make any sense! Ask Uluaris why she suddenly got angry.

Zeph: Oh crap, you're you again. This complicates matters a bit... hopefully he can fix it. Just try to calm down, maybe if it helps you to feel better you can talk about Sol. He couldn't possibly understand how she is as a person, they can feel the warmth and see her light but they cannot understand more than that from here.

Anemoi Rizeska 2010/11/08(Mon)17:18 No. 254166 ID: be29bc
File 128926548725.png - (305.29KB , 500x500 , 176.png )

I am so angry. I spit out "FINE" to Uluaris, too angry to say anything else, to think anything non-threatening. I don't want to make anything. I don't want to do anything. I just want to be alone.

As I walk off the road, I trip over the [skirt] as it falls down. Wonderful.

[Siisa vision

Why is she yelling?! I thought they were having a conversation!

I ask Uluaris what's happened. He says that Zeph started drawing power and it overloaded the necklace. It doesn't answer my question about what happened, but it raises more about what Zeph IS.

There are very few spirits who can use wizard magic, and most of them are bad. Very bad.

I hope we don't have to kill Zeph.]

As I get into the woods, the full impact of what he was implying hits me again, rather like hitting water at terminal velocity.

Of course I love Sol, how could he... No, how DARE he presume otherwise?

But Sol...

Will she even take me back if I redeem myself? I want to protect her... I'm so useless down here...

Oh, Sol...

She doesn't love me anymore.

That thought pounds a steady beat in my head, and I can't drown it out.

It hurts.

I cry.

>>254166
@Zeph: Sol is a kind person, but very easy to manipulate. Your fellow commanders, on the other hand are manipulative jerks. You hadn't even hit the water before the others convinced Sol to revoke your name; they probably convinced her you ran away, and she revoked your name because of how much that idea hurt her.

Still, at the moment it doesn't change anything. You need to take care of the immediate concerns, and right now you have things that are more important than being by her side; those circles that elementals become trapped inside are killing the world, you need to find out more about the creature that attacked the skyway, you need to find that earth captain, and you have to hunt a monster for the Undine. You're far from useless; you're the only one who can do these things.

For now, work on the hat. Doing something constructive will sooth you.

@Siisa: Could you understand anything from their conversation? Maybe you can figure out what made her so mad.

I'd say Sissa needs to go after Zeph, figure what the heck just happened.

Sides, she looks like she needs a friend in a way Uluaris cant be, seems...

>>254166
Siisa: No matter what she is, right now she is just very upset. Take a while to help set up camp and for her to calm down a little, and go comfort her.

Zeph: You can't know that, and you shouldn't think it true. Did Sol hate your siblings for dying in her defense? She would not hate you for failing, and even less so for choosing to live instead of die. Anything beyond that is less certain, there is much you don't know about what is going on. Just try to keep faith.

Anemoi Rizeska 2010/11/08(Mon)20:04 No. 254305 ID: be29bc
File 128927547023.png - (295.98KB , 500x500 , 177.png )

[Siisa vision

I go to go after Zeph, but Uluaris stops me. "I believe it would be best to leave her alone at the moment. She seems unstable at the moment. Come, let's find a good spot to sleep in."]

So useless. Did she ever really love me? She never said she did, I just sorta assumed...

She probably never loved me. I was just a walking shield to her. She never joined in the celebrations, either; she would just smile and continue her endless stroll. Was she laughing at us? How could she...

These thoughts assail my mind; doubts I never knew I had overwhelming my senses.

I couldn't move. I didn't want to. I wanted to become an unfeeling stone, ever so gently eroding away into nothingness.

"What's wrong, M'lady?"

It's a clear voice; childish, womanly; loud yet whispering, currently touched with a hint of concern.

>>254305
@Zeph: Wait, this is unusually harsh... Zeph, something might be tampering with your mind! Push those thoughts away, and focus on the now! "Ah, sorry, I didn't see you. The past few days have been very trying, and I'm having some trouble coping. How about you? What are you, little spirit?"

@Siisa: Are the elementals still with you? How about you ask them if they can tell you what happened, or have them go see if Zeph is ok?

just say you are unsure of yourself at the moment. ask what it is.

>>254305
Look at this being. Realize it isn't a thing of the earth but a spirit, like an elemental.The symbol of the dark 5th element, that which reminds you of the eyes of that monster, springs to the front of your mind.

>>254317
uhhhhhhhh, no. just cause it is a spirit doesn't mean it is one of those things. soul thief is a spirit and it doesn't kill to kill, it only wants souls, death is just a byproduct of it's actions.
it is probably the spirit of the woods or something.

>>254318
Well, lets just be super cautious in case it really is dangerous.

Anemoi Rizeska 2010/11/08(Mon)23:28 No. 254349 ID: be29bc
File 128928769946.png - (184.27KB , 500x500 , 178.png )

[Siisa vision

Yes, the elementals are still here. "[Hey, please go look for Zeph!]"

"[who?]" they ask.

["Zeph, the blue hair spirit; one who was here!"]

Undine looks confused by the request. "she is vanished"]

Nothing is tampering with my mind. It's so obvious now; she simply did not care about us at all.

I don't want to talk to the creature/spirit/thing. I want it to leave me alone. It probably wants to eat my soul, or my heart, or my mind, or something equally vicious.

"Shoo," I tell it.

It sits down beside me. "Sometimes it helps to talk," it says.

>>254349
@Zeph: What? No! The words "It's all so obvious now" are synonymous with mind tampering! Remember when we said that trap was messing with your mind?
Although talking out your problems DOES help...

@Siisa: Wait, what? That's not right! Go check on her!

zeph: you are totes under mind effects, just a thing of sadness rather then AWESOME THING.

siisa, start getting worried.

Well if you're not going to break out of the compulsion that's probably going on, talk to it.

Anemoi Rizeska 2010/11/09(Tue)07:33 No. 254395 ID: be29bc
File 128931683753.png - (84.11KB , 500x500 , 179.png )

[Siisa vision

"Uluaris! Gnome and Undine say Zeph [vanished]! What do we do?!"

"Calm down, Sii. You stay here and keep setting up camp, DO NOT START A FIRE YET. I'll go look for Zeph."

Uluaris stalks off in the direction that Zeph went. He passes by the area she was in, but nothing is there. He keeps searching.]

The scenery has changed to nothingness. I'm not sure if this is really happening or if it's product of how lousy I feel right now.

I bury my head in my knees so I don't have to look at it.

I feel something insubstantial brush up against me, and I can {sense} structures of [allness];
[order],[chaos],[creation],[existence],[destruction],[undoing],[life],[death],[unlife],[undeath],[love][compassion],[lus
t],[possessiveness],[resignation],[hope],[joy],[depression],[gain],[loss],[power],[humility],[loneliness]; and many more besides, but the others are blurred together and indistinct.

Each stands out clearly, even though they are all melded together, but the strongest {sense} is [remnant].

"It's alright to talk about it, you poor child. Perhaps I can supply some surcease of sorrow."

It's not a command, like Uluaris tries to give. I don't want or need to talk. But there's a feeling in the air that it's OKAY to talk. I don't have to hold anything in. I've never felt this before. It's a warm, safe feeling.

"Sol never loved me. She never loved any of us. The other commanders don't love me either. No one loves me."

My voice is flat. I'm trying to push the emotions away. I don't want to feel this. I don't want to feel anything. But then I continue speaking.

"Why can't I stop loving her? It hurts so badly!"

I can't hold it in. I shake, I cry, I wail. Snot, spit, and tears mingle on my face, but I don't care.

I feel someone holding me tightly, strangely insubstantial yet tangible; I feel something soft and velvety curl around me, and then a hand wipes away my tears before covering my eyes. The air smells of flowers.

"You are not alone, little commander. You have a long and difficult road ahead of you, but you mustn't lose hope, no matter how deep the darkness around you. I shall give you the gift of sight, so that you may see your way clearly."

"Remember always that I love you."

>>254395
@Zeph: Take her hand in yours "It's ok if it's difficult, but... Will it be worth it? Can this broken world be fixed? Can my broken world be fixed? Without a name, what am I?"

@Siisa: "What do you mean she vanished? What happened?"

zeph: perk up at that, who could this be that so freely admitted their love? try to see.

>>254395
Zeph: "Who are you?"

Anemoi Rizeska 2010/11/09(Tue)09:22 No. 254428 ID: 701a19
File 128932332460.png - (406.66KB , 500x500 , 180.png )

"Who are you?"
"I have no name, dear child."
"I don't have one either..."
"I know, dear one."
I try to catch a glimpse of her face, but her hands are blocking my view and the floral scent is making me tired...
"Can it be fixed?" I ask sleepily. She knows what I mean. The earth-crawler society, my life...
"We shall see...
Remember..." And then I am adrift in a sea of love, comfort, safety.
Alone, but loved.
[Siisa vision
Wait, that thing Uluaris said earlier... "[what means 'vanished'?]"
"Gone." The Undine undulates, which might be the equivalent of a shrug.]
{Uluaris vision
I found traces of magical disruptions from where Zeph must have stayed for a while, she's obviously unpracticed at drawing energy. Good. We definitely don't want another Marzl running around.
There are no tracks, mundane or magical, to show where she went next. No signs of covered trails, teleportation wobbles, magical flight, nothing. It's like she vanished... Damn. What a waste.
Okay, so I guess this is a dead end. I think I see a clearing...
Okay, I guess this is where she is. Now how did she get here, and where did her clothes go? Those were expensive.}
You may now attempt to give commands to Uluaris, but he probably won't be as influenced by you as Zeph or Siisa are.

Uluaris: Try to wake her up, but whatever made her sleep suddenly probably won't fade so soon. You'll likely have to carry her back.

>>254428
@Zeph: Smile! You are comforted!

@Siisa: Watch the cart and wait for Uluaris to get back. What was that story about Marzl, the wizard spirit? Can you remember?

@Uluaris: That's an odd tree... and is this growth fresh? It has no marks of insects, no residue from rain, and there aren't any dead twigs or leaves here... The soil is even disturbed like the tree shoved it out of the way.
Bah, I don't have time for this! Should I take her back to the wagon, or just set camp here?
Hmm. I don't think anybody has had a spirit like this read the Goddess's final testament... I think I've got a copy at home, and it's worth a shot.

zeph: have good thoughts and dreams

Uluaris: grumble and try to wake her up or carry her back.

Anemoi Suggestion 2010/11/09(Tue)15:05 No. 254518 ID: be29bc
File 128934390868.png - (334.27KB , 500x500 , 181.png )

I'm safe, I'm loved, I'm content.

This is a dream, I realize, but nothing can hurt me in this dream.

.'m al.ne.

A thought cuts across mine, but I can't process it completely. It's simply too... immense.

S. v.ry .lone.

Th.re's noth.ng h.re.

B.t th.t's ok.y.

Bec..se . c.n m.k. .nyth.ng.

. w.ll m.k. ev.ryth.ng.

.nd .'ll n.v.r b. .l.ne .g.in.

[Siisa vision

I set up the tents and make a fire pit in a clearing, but I don't start the fire yet. I'm worried about Uluaris and Zeph... I hope they're okay...

Oh, you want to know about the Marzl? It's a big scary monster that a wizard trapped in his house. I dunno much else about it, except that it killed everyone in a village near ours.]

{Uluaris vision

What a handful; this spirit! I'm about to wake her, when I notice how truly odd this situation is. It looks like a normal Bleeding Willow, but the earth looks freshly disturbed, and the ground is free of leaf-litter.

I scan the area with the True Sight rune. The ambient magical energies of the area are low, with one notable exception. The tree is covered with [intentions], or perhaps it is even formed of them?

Unfortunately, without certain reagents, it is impossible to decipher [intentions] without actually touching or seeing the effects of them, whether through magical or material touch.

The leaves appear to be generating mana; interesting. As for the spirit... That's a lot of raw power. This could be dangerous if I'm not careful... I'm pretty concerned about how bright the soul is, as well. Did it eat souls? I should take some precautions...

Showing her my copy of the Diary of the Goddess is right out. Even if by some chance she CAN read what no other person or spirit has been able to decipher, who knows what she'll do with it's secrets? I can't risk that.

Should I move her? I have no idea what effect, if any, the tree is having on her.}

>>254518
@Zeph: Let me parse that for you:
"I'm alone.
So very alone.
There's nothing here.
But that's okay.
Because I can make anything.
I will make everything.
And I'll never be alone again."
Respond "Then come with me; lets never be alone together."

@Siisa: Aren't you curious what's going on? A little peek won't hurt~

@Uluaris: No, her soul's color is wrong for a soul-eater. it would be orange if she ate souls, not blue.
Think back on Marzl; what do you know about what happened?
Oh, and if you were cautious then you wouldn't have become a wizard. Touch the damn intention tree already.

zeph: but then, you wont be able to see sol... and demand and explanation for this bullshit!

Uluaris: MAGIC TIME!

Uluaris: If the tree is having a negative or dangerous effect, it won't be any safer to leave her there and let it continue. Even if it isn't dangerous to anyone else, it may be so to her. Grab her and pull her away from the tree gently, waking her suddenly may be unwise.

Anemoi Suggestion 2010/11/09(Tue)19:08 No. 254600 ID: be29bc
File 128935849291.png - (218.61KB , 500x500 , 182.png )

I call out to the thought, "Come with me, then! We won't be alone, together!"

The thought rumbles past as though I had not spoken, as though I did not even exist.

Another one whips by; this time it's even harder to comprehend.

Th.s .s pr.gr.ss

"What's going on?"

. t.ll m.s.lf th.t

"Who are you?"

B.t .t's n. g..d

Th.r.'s n. m.v.m.nt

Th.r.'s n. ch.ng.

Th.r.'s n. g..l

.v.r.th.ng .s st.t.c

"Can you hear me?"

There's no reply.

I feel another wave approaching.

[Siisa vision

Go check...?

They said '[vanish]'...

what if its a body

i dont want to see any more bodies

please]

{Uluaris vision

Soul Thieves eat any stored mana along with the souls by accident, if you can touch one, you can't help but touch the other at the same time.

Still, it is a disproportionate amount of mana to soul for a Soul Thief; it's an enormous amount of energy for any souled creature to have. It's probably a good thing for me that she doesn't seem to know how to use it...

It seems she has natural defenses as well; it explains why the name alone isn't enough to compel her...

As for the tree; I could spend some time preparing defenses, countermeasures, analysis...

Y'know what?

Screw it. I'm a wizard.

Using my staff so I don't come in contact with the tree, (and so that it bears the brunt of any magical backlash) I pry the spirit away from the tree. It's surprisingly difficult to do so, it doesn't appear to be attached to her or anything like that.

When I get her away from the tree, I examine her body. (No, not like that.) She doesn't appear to have any visible injuries.

Now it's time to worry about the invisible ones. Great.

First thing's first, can I wake her up...}

It's strange, but the approaching thought suddenly vanished...

I'm alone again.

...

(Continued)

Anemoi Suggestion 2010/11/09(Tue)19:08 No. 254601 ID: be29bc
File 128935851024.png - (147.86KB , 500x500 , 183.png )

Is this waking or dreaming?

>>254600
@Zeph:
"This is progress
I tell myself that
But it's no good
There's no movement
There's no change
There's no goal
Everything is static"
Real or dream we can't quite know~
The truth will out by what you show~

@Siisa: Wizards chop up bodies for parts all the time. Why do you think Wizards by so many people at the slave markets?

@Uluaris: What? Why are you bothering with her? The tree is far more interesting, and unlike Zeph you can't bring it home.

>>254601
That's not a question you normally ask yourself in a dream. Look around, what do you see? Look inside, what do you feel?

zeph: if you don't know, then pinch yourself.

Uluaris: yes, you can just take zeph to your house, i doubt this tree will is movable. good chance trying to will kill it.

>>254601
Man, I don't even know if this is the real life or if it's just fantasy anymore.

>>254601
Plug your nose with your fingers, then try to breath through it. If you can't, then you're awake.

Anemoi Suggestion 2010/11/09(Tue)20:55 No. 254673 ID: be29bc
File 128936491866.png - (176.21KB , 500x500 , 184.png )

I see some trees, grass, and poking me with a stick is Uluaris. But something seems strange.

I can see, normally, but at the same time I can see the glows as I could when I lost my body...

Gifted with True Sight. Various things may be observed that would otherwise remain hidden. Since Zeph sees with both normal and True sight, relevant items from both viewpoints will be displayed, subject to the author's discretion.

{Uluaris vision

Okay, she's awake, good enough for now.

Now what about that tree-

FUCK!}

zeph: what do you see?

Uluaris: what is happening?!?

>>254673
@Zeph: "I had... A vision. It was a flower woman; she comforted me, and I heard things. Her thoughts, or... memories? There were two parts...
I'm alone.
So very alone.
There's nothing here.
But that's okay.
Because I can make anything.
I will make everything.
And I'll never be alone again.
...
This is progress
I tell myself that
But it's no good
There's no movement
There's no change
There's no goal
Everything is static
...
There was more, but that's when you woke me."

@Uluaris: Flower woman? Trees made out of pure intention?
...
Fuck this, I've got work to do before we can head home.

Rizzie 2010/11/10(Wed)09:34 No. 254853 ID: 79c5ec
File 12894104509.png - (198.12KB , 500x500 , 185b.png )

{Uluaris vision

FUCK
STABILIZE STABILIZE FUCKING STAY

3I cast the runes frantically, as fast as I can form them, but I might as well not have bothered. The tree disappears without a trace, magical or mundane, that it had ever been there.

That is not good.

I've never seen a spell deconstruct itself so completely.

This is beyond my expertise.

FUCK.}



I see Uluaris, on one side he looks normal...

Rizzie 2010/11/10(Wed)09:35 No. 254854 ID: 79c5ec
File 128941050745.png - (85.95KB , 500x500 , 186n.png )

But on the other...

>>254854
@Zeph: Get back on your feet.
"It's ok, I think.
Are there any other spirits around? It may have drawn unwanted attention."
We don't know if that had always been there or not, and we don't want him to know we can see things he can't.

@Uluaris: Is there ANYTHING around here you can see? Any spirits besides her?
If the tree's gone and there's nothing else here you might as well take her back to camp already.

zeph: grab his stick and smash the monster over the head

Anemoi Rizeska 2010/11/10(Wed)12:20 No. 254885 ID: 701a19
File 128942044758.png - (317.35KB , 500x500 , 187.png )

{Uluaris vision
It's vanishing too fast. My runes are having no effect on the rate. So as quickly as I can I grab hold of a fading [intention]---And then Zeph gets up and attempts to punch me.}
I punch at the monster, my hand passes right through it. But as Uluaris moved to dodge the punch (I'm not aiming at you, stupid!) I could see that it's actually connected to him, at the feet, like a shadow.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see something blue and black disappearing, though when I turn to look at it there's nothing there but a clearing with a few flowers in it.
I don't see the strange creature anywhere, with either vision.
Then Uluaris hits me in the head with his staff and I black out.
{Uluaris vision
Great. She's probably been infected with a magic-fueled rage or something nasty like that. I guess I'll have to carry her back to camp... I hope I have the right reagents to fix or contain this.
AND I have to make a new disguise focus. It's going to take me at least one sleepless night, if I'm VERY lucky...
I still remember the [intention], but I can tell that it's only a shard of a larger [thought].
The [intention] was [be].}

Uluaris: while she seems magically power her physical abilities seem like taht of a normal person. tie her up with some rope and then cover her with a blanket. then i guess wake her up, so you can get a more accurate idea of what it is. i mean, you may lack caution but you don't do things with zero ideas as to what it is.

>>254885
@Zeph: Wake up and rub the lump on the back of your head.
"What the heck, Uluaris? Did you not see the... bug... thing that was behind you? If that's how you say thanks then next time I'll just let the freaky bug-thing get you."

@Uluaris: Bah, just haul her back to camp and tie her up. If you try to use magical containment she might overload it with [intent] and that would be bad for everybody.

Nothing to do but to carry her back and try to fix things. Analyze her for any magical changes.

Anemoi Suggestion 2010/11/10(Wed)13:54 No. 254905 ID: c4c64c
File 128942608468.png - (180.79KB , 500x500 , 188.png )

I try to wake up, but my body isn't listening to me right now. I'm just sort of floating in a nothing-space; no dreams, no nightmares, just me and my thoughts.

...

I probably should have said something before I attacked the monster.

...

I'm bored.

{Uluaris vision

I'll have to dismiss the Sight rune before I go back to camp, it's too disorienting to try and process that much information at once while also trying to navigate unfamiliar terrain.

She should stay knocked out for a while, so I'll take this opportunity to see if there are any magical changes I can detect.

At first glance, I don't see anything different in her energy fields, but then I notice that the soul energy is thicker in one general area, which is strange; normally it's spread equally throughout the body. It's from her neck and shoulder area, with the center closer to the back. Looking closer, I find three nodes of intermingled [intention] and soul with corresponding bead-sized bumps on her skin; the one at the base of her neck is cold and unyielding to the touch, and slightly more bronze colored than the surrounding skin; the other two are each above a shoulder blade, and lightly tinged with blue. I try touching one of the blueish ones, and after meeting a slight resistance it changes to vapor and reforms in the same shape around my finger. Luckily, it doesn't stick to me when I pull my hand away.

I think that's the extent of the magical changes, but it could have done something to her mind, as well. The defensive energies are thickest there, and I can't see into it at all. I'd have to disable her defenses somehow to be sure.

Good thing I brought some rope.}

[Siisa vision

I'm playing with the [elementals] when I hear someone approaching. I hide in case it's a stranger or a bandit or a spirit or something, but it's just Uluaris.

I can tell because he said the passcode that lets us tell that we're the real person.

And before you ask, no, I'm not telling you what it is, it's a secret!

I say mine, and then I get out of hiding.

Oh! He found Zeph, is she alive? I go to check.

Well, she's not breathing and she doesn't have a pulse, but I remember Uluaris' teachings, and realize that it might be because she doesn't need to at the moment; most spirits have other energy sources or magically supplement biological systems.

So now I have to check another way; no, not by asking Uluaris, he's busy preparing something, maybe a spell or a circle? I'm going to use magic!

I have a little bit of natural mana generation, which is why I was chosen to be an apprentice wizard, but I still wouldn't have enough energy to cast this spell if I hadn't had Apprentice Bane yesterday. (I hate that stuff, but I know I need to take it...)

I draw the symbol for Sight, an eye with three directional modifiers; the meaning is [Sight with Normal Range; Seeing the First and Second Planes] I don't have the exact strokes down properly yet, so it's kinda blurry, but I can make things out.

She has a lot of soul energy! But it's not decaying, and neither are her defenses, plus her magic isn't dissipating, so she can't be dead. What a relief!

I should go get her a blanket from the cart. I wonder if she feels hot and cold?]

{I finish inscribing and infusing the runes on the rope. Next, I tie Zeph's arms behind her back. It's not only difficult to break out of normally, but I set some runes to make her natural defenses impermeable; this way, magic can no longer be absorbed or used outside of internal functions as long as the ropes stay on. Genius, I know.

We still have about an hour of daylight left, should I get to work on the disguise, or is there something else I should be doing...}

>>254905
@Zeph: Try to wake up again.
Envision your sleep as a stone mask that covers your face. Now, reach up, grab the edge of that mask, and just pry it right off in spite of the gooey adhesive holding it in place.

@Uluaris: Work on the disguise. You do NOT want anybody to see her without it!

naw, you have like no materials, and you will need to make a STRONGER one, or else it would just break again the next time she gets emotional.

>>254905
Zeph: Practice using your ~imagination~, think of pretty things. Or, just go to sleep if you can.

Uluaris: You've taken all the precautions you can, get to work on the disguise. Wonder though, why did she attack you? Or was she? Even if you hadn't moved her punch wouldn't have connected. Could she have been reacting to something else, or just imagining something?

Siisa: Her clothes are gone somehow, is there a change of clothes for her? Try to have something ready for her when she wakes up.

Anemoi Suggestion 2010/11/10(Wed)19:53 No. 255044 ID: be29bc
File 128944762418.png - (243.53KB , 500x500 , 189.png )

I use my imagination.

[Siisa vision

I can't find any clothes; Did he expect Zeph to just wear the same thing every day?! I can't believe Uluaris didn't buy anything.

Instead, I cut a hole in a large blanket and put it on her. There. It's a parka.

...I'm really tired and hungry. I'm going to sleep. -_-]

{Uluaris vision

Okay. It's been hours. It's so dark it's starting to get light out. I don't have any string to make the necklace.

But I'm resourceful.

I'm a wizard, dammit.

... I'm out of ideas.

What should I use as a focus?

It can be anything, really, but she'll have to carry it at all times until I can make a new one...}

hmmm, how about a rock? or a coin.

>>255044
@Zeph: ...and now you're dreaming. Not a bad way to pass the time, is it?
Oh, and try to wake yourself up again.

@Uluaris: Use a copper coin as the focus and use magic to affix it to the top of her sternum.
Or use some water as the focus and pour it down her throat.

>>255044
Uluaris: Look at the materials you already have. A coin might serve as a focus. For string anything on the cart, any fabrics even the ones you two are wearing might have a bit of string or fabric that can be removed for this purpose.

...Is that a blanket with a hole cut in it? Zeph is supposed to wear that? Oh well as long as it is already a waste see if you can't use the cut out part for materials. And make a note to bring some spare clothes for the womenfolk in the future

Zeph: Dream of dashing through sky upon the unicorn among stars and sylphs.
ALWAYS~

Anemoi Suggestion 2010/11/11(Thu)18:26 No. 255408 ID: be29bc
File 128952878211.png - (267.42KB , 500x500 , 190.png )

{Uluaris vision

I can't use the sheet for anything, I don't think. (I liked that blanket too. Before it had a hole in it, that is.) If I tried to remove a string it wouldn't stop unraveling. And the bits of string Siisa cut out of it are too small, I can't make a tie of any kind with them, and they're thin enough that they'd probably fly out of her hand even if she's holding onto them.

Now, of course, I realize I should have gotten some new clothes, now, of course, but at the time it didn't occur to me.

I was busy.

I guess I could make some clothes for her using runes and plants, but that would probably fall apart quickly; I'm a spirit weaver, mostly, I'm not very good at first plane manipulations.

Oh, the golem? Yes, I know it looked eerily lifelike which would indicate that I actually have some skill at transmutation. Though my ego would insist that my talent with golems give my genius sole credit, that perfection comes from years of practice, some customized tools, and a few re-usable magic circles that I've spent MONTHS configuring.

Anyway, what to use...

Water won't work, it'll disperse throughout her body throughout the day, and the magic will be stretched too thin to be effective; it might even break.

Hm, a coin, huh? I've got a few Lefv on me. She'd better hold onto it the whole time, though, or the whole ruse will have been a waste.

It'll take me just about three hours to make a focus at my house, but I don't have any more jewelery lying around (And I'd need something stronger than the last necklace too, in case she starts Drawing again), and anything else would be either too flimsy, too easy to lose, or something people would expect to change every few days...

This spirit is so much trouble.

I place the Lefv in the painstakingly crafted circle, and complete the circuit with a spark of mana.

Done.

And now it's morning, and I still haven't had a chance to sleep.

Oh well; it's Zeph's fault that she'll have to deal with a grumpy wizard, after all.}

(Continued)

Anemoi Suggestion 2010/11/11(Thu)18:27 No. 255410 ID: be29bc
File 128952883813.png - (370.03KB , 500x500 , 191.png )

I quite like this dream. I'm riding a creature like the one pulling the [cart], but this one is pale as a cloud, with rainbows for accents, hooves the color of Sol's hair, and a horn to match. I'm still not clear on the "why" behind the horn, but it is aesthetically pleasing, I suppose.

It is walking on the Skyway, and I am on it's back; we are looking for Sol, because we lost her.

It is light out, but the further we travel the darker it becomes. We try going in the opposite direction. The creature is moving even faster than I can run on the Skyway, but no matter which way we go, it gets darker, and darker.

There is a faint glow coming from my skin, and the creature's rainbows, but soon those are the only sources of light. I can tell that we won't find Sol here; Lune either. We can go anywhere and it'll still be the wrong direction.

I bury my face in it's rainbow mane. I don't want to see the darkness. It's everywhere.

I'm not even sure if we're on the Skyway anymore. The gentle airy sounds of the creature's hooves on the soft Skyway gradually become louder, as though moving to a slowly hardening material:

clop clop clop click clop clop click clop clop clop click clack clop clop click clack clop click clack click-click clack click-click clack click-click clack

It doesn't sound like hooves anymore. It sounds like claws.

I know what's coming. It's inevitable.

But I must look anyway.

I slowly pull my face away from it's mane; no longer made of rainbows. It has become coarse, and grey. I know this hair. I grabbed onto it once before.

I know. I'm not allowed to fall this time; I must confirm what I already know. I have no choice.

My hands are entangled in the mane, held fast; there is just enough give for me to lean over and see the creature's face.

I don't want to.

But I have to.

There is no light, but I can see very clearly now. I lean to one side, knowing what I will find; The Eyes, waiting for me.

They are there.

They are frightening.

But they are not the worst thing I see.

The Beast clutches a form in it's maw, limbs dangling limply-

No, stop.

-I can tell it is lifeless-

I don't want this.

-I can tell-

No, please.

-it once was brilliant-

PLEASE.

-but now is an empty husk.

why

The Beast turns to face me-

no

-dropping the body-

please no

-of Sol.

no no why no no

It speaks-

why

-It has a soothing, familiar voice-

why would you do that

-It says-

why did you hurt everyone

-"Remember always-

why did you hurt me

-that I-

why did you hurt yourself

-love you."

i trusted you

(Continued)

Anemoi Rizeska 2010/11/11(Thu)18:28 No. 255412 ID: be29bc
File 128952889057.png - (537.89KB , 500x500 , 192.png )

[Siisa vision

It's morning! I'm not as hungry anymore; now it's just a distraction rather than the pangs from last night.

Uluaris packed up the cart while I was sleeping; since I slept in the cart, I nearly knocked all the Skasis off by accident when I woke up! And it would have been all Thief's fault too; it's hard not to get really startled when you wake up to a face in your face.

"Good morning Uluaris!"

"Ungh." Oh. He probably didn't get to sleep last night. He doesn't have the ingredients for his Morning Brew here either.

Zeph is in the cart, too. She's still asleep.]

{Uluaris vision

Okay, the cart's packed with everything, including the all those spirits.

I can spend some time looking for breakfast, though I'm too tired to be particularly observant. We also leave now, we'll probably be back in the village around noon. Are there any other options...?

Damn, I'm too tired to think of anything else. I hope I'm not forgetting anything.}

>>255412
@Uluaris: You need to give Zeph the new disguise and wake her up so she can use it.

@Zeph: WAKE UP!

@Siisa: Make sure Uluaris isn't forgetting anything!

zeph: NOW wake up.

Uluaris: need to give her the coin, or it wont work, silly.

Anemoi Rizeska 2010/11/12(Fri)15:14 No. 255689 ID: be29bc
File 128960364913.png - (292.29KB , 500x500 , 193.png )

{Uluaris vision

Oh, right. I need to get Zeph to hold onto the disguise focus.

I walk over to the cart, and sit her up so I can put the Lefv in her hands. She starts to wake up as I do so, so I tell her to hold onto the coin.

There, that should--wait.

Those eyes should be blue, and have pupils.

I SPECIFICALLY runed in blue, pupiled eyes.

The disguise is completely ruined now. Only some spirits have pupil-less eyes, and humans do NOT have pink and yellow dual-toned eyes.

Fuck. This. SHIT.

I'm taking a nap.}

I'm awakened from my nightmare suddenly, and am told to hold onto something. I grab the object, but find that my hands are bound. Again.

I'm pretty certain at this point that sleeping is something I should be vigorously avoiding, considering that nothing good ever follows.

I would consider asking Gnome to loosen the ropes like he did last time, but it seems I have no energy, even though Sol is shining on me. This does not bode well.

My stomach hurts a little, my throat feels dry, and I can feel a disturbance in my guts.

Uluaris looks at my face, and I can see the blue and black inside of him begin to churn, while the red monster adjusts it's grip on his throat. He turns and begins to walk away.

[Siisa vision

What happened to her eyes?

"Hey Thief, stop drooling, that's disgusting!"]

>>255689
Need to cover those up somehow....

>>255689
Zeph: Your hands are tied because you attacked him probably. You should explain that. But since he's walking away you need to get his attention quickly. Ask him what "Did you know there was a red spirit at your throat? It has six black eyes and looks scary, I thought it was attacking you. It's still there and it looks like its choking you."

Uluaris: What.

Siisa: What.

>>255694
not six, it could just be the three on one side. the important part is it's eyes are shaped like the symbol of mortality, of death.

>>255689
@Zeph: You're strong, pain resistant, and flexible. Pull your arms out of the ropes. "What the heck, Uluaris? Did you not see the... bug... thing that was behind you? If that's how you say thanks then next time I'll just let the freaky bug-thing get you."

@Siisa: She should probably have some food and water.

@Uluaris: So make her some sunglasses.

>>255697
She saw it at a different angle than us, I trust she'll describe whatever it looked like for her.

Anemoi Suggestion 2010/11/15(Mon)11:41 No. 256670 ID: 1813d6
File 128985009026.png - (278.83KB , 500x500 , 194.png )

I wiggle my hands but they're tied fast, and I'm not nearly strong enough to just break them or anything.

He tied me up because he thought I was attacking him, I guess. I should explain myself, and hopefully he'll untie me? "I wasn't attacking you, but there's a red monster chewing on your neck, and it has the Beast's three eyes, so I thought it was dangerous and-"

"and thats why youre staying tied up! that [human word] tree obviously did something to your mind, and until i figure it out you are staying that way."

What tree?

[Siisa vision

"[You okay?]" I ask Zeph. She looks strange, somehow, and it's not just the eyes. It's like she's glowing, but there's no light. It's pretty, but kinda scary, too.

Soul Thief starts talking to her in the Spirit Language, I can't understand much when it talks that fast, but I think it's probably being annoying so I shush it.]

As I try to get into a comfortable position, I notice something red coming out of my feet, passing through the cart and into the ground. Another monster?

Siisa asks me something, but I'm too distracted to catch what she says. As I shift myself, I catch another glimpse of red, this one is coming from behind me. I turn my head to see better, and I see Siisa and the Soul Thief.

Siisa has something pale, vaguely pink, trailing behind her, but covering her eyes is another bright red, three-eyed monster, serpentine in appearance. The serpant, however, isn't coming from Siisa, it's coming from the brightest concentration of orange glow inside the Soul Thief.

Right now I can see the Soul Thief as it truly is, that orange creature in the form of Siisa, but I can also see something I hadn't seen before. From thousands of points on it's orange self trail pink, transluscent forms, some brighter than others, but all seeming somehow distant. Some distance behind the Soul Thief they mingle together, overlapping and yet still faint.

The Soul Thief speaks, "Where did you find THAT soul... it's so sad, so bright, so delicious, let me eat it! I'll make sure nothing ever hurts it again!" Siisa shushes the Soul Thief, but it continues to whisper entreaties to me.

I turn more fully, and look behind myself, knowing there's a monster there, too.

It's worse than I thought.

There is a bright orange glow coming from my back, and out of that glow, a red monster of colossal proportions rises.

[spoiler][/spoiler]

>>256670
Those must be souls, and... something else. You're seeing real things here, and you need to convince him of that. Say you can see like you did as a spirit but now you can see souls too, describe everything you see in detail. Especially the soul thief. He should know enough about the way things work to recognize that you have new insight and not just craziness.

>>256670
@Zeph: I see... You're seeing souls.
The smaller one is yours, but the larger one is from the thing that comforted you.
Turn to the soul thief "You can't feel it, can you. It's sad, yes, but determined. It has a purpose and desire; it doesn't want to be part of you, it has so much work to do before it can rest.
But you... I can see the wrongness. Siisa's soul is a part of you, but it's reaching for her. Even though it can only feel joy, it's trying to return to her."
Turn to the giant spirit "You can see what's wrong here, but can you help? Can you put Siisa's soul back in her body, or is that beyond you for now?"

Turn to Siisa "I don't know how much of that you understood, but I don't think anything is wrong with my mind. I think it's a passenger; a friend."

@Siisa: What's the glow? Is it scary because you haven't seen it before, or does it seem dangerous? How about you give Zeph a hug to see how it reacts?

@Uluaris: If something can form a tree out of pure intent, then what are the odds it could destroy your magical restraints by sheer power? Or that you could stop it if it's still around watching and waiting?

Tell him you have True Sight- and that red monster is his personal Mortality spirit. The big Beast that attacked Sol was a Captain of Mortality, no doubt.

I think the Sol-like Mortality leader is what was talking to you via the tree... I think that all of the Mortality creatures truly care about their charges, and are there to usher the deceased's souls into whatever comes next. You have a large one because you have lived a long, long time. The Mortality spirits grow as their charges age, you see.

>>256678
Naw, souls are orange. Mortality is red.

the pink is the mortality of the souls. they are pink and not red because their body is already dead. siisa's is red cause she is still alive.